Megan, Duchess of Sussex and wife of Prince Harry, expressed deep sorrow after reports emerged of numerous child sexual abuse images found in her father's former residence in the Philippines.
On Friday, 23 October, Megan, Duchess of Sussex and wife of Prince Harry of England, revealed she was deeply distressed after reports about the discovery of child sexual abuse images in the former home of her father, Thomas Markle Sr. She expressed hope that the justice process would be thorough and prioritize child safety above all.
Megan's statement came after the British newspaper The Sun reported that Thomas Markle Jr., her half-brother, discovered the images while clearing out their father's former home in Cebu, Philippines. He told the paper he found hundreds, possibly thousands, of images and has reported them to Philippine police and contacted the U.S. FBI.
In her statement, Megan said she was deeply shaken by the news in the past 24 hours and extended support to all children who might have been victims of such acts.
Megan also referred to a letter sent in 2018 to the Metropolitan Police's Protection Unit and Special Operations Unit, noting that the letter contained disturbing allegations about her father. She said she was assured at that time that these claims were under investigation.
She added that she hopes people now understand the real reasons for her estrangement from her father, despite some media outlets having distorted the story over the years. She confirmed that the decision to prevent her father from contacting her two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, was solely to protect them.
She further stated that although the revelations are more appalling than anyone could imagine, her highest hope is that the justice process is carried out fully and that the safety of innocent children remains paramount.
Megan, an American actress known for the television series "Suits," married Prince Harry at Windsor Castle in 2018. Thomas Markle Sr., a former lighting and photography director in television, did not attend the wedding, making their estranged relationship a continuing topic in the British media.
Previously, some reports suggested Megan distanced herself from her father after joining the British royal family, but she insists the decision was made to protect her children.
Thomas Markle Sr., who lived in the Philippines earlier this year, suffered a stroke and had his left leg amputated before returning to the United States.
Thomas Markle Jr. told The Sun that although he cared for and assisted his father for many years, he will now cut all ties and will not speak to him again unless subpoenaed to testify against him.
,AFP
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